Remutaka Hill. PHOTO/FILE
The NZ Transport Agency has given notice of a series of full night-time closures of State Highway 2 over the Remutaka Hill in March to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out.
The five consecutive night closures, from 9pm to 5am, are scheduled from Sunday, March 3, to Friday morning, March 8, with a further five consecutive night closures from Sunday, March 24, to Friday morning, March 29.
Regional Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen says the night-time maintenance work will significantly reduce the number of day-time disruptions on the hill road, enable better quality work, and increase the safety of maintenance crews.
About 350 vehicles use the Remutaka Hill Road at night between 9pm and 5am, compared with about 6300 vehicles during the day.
“The steep, narrow road over the Remutaka Hill is a difficult road to maintain,” Owen said.
“Current maintenance is during the day, with approximately 300 stop/go roadworks during the year causing significant disruptions for motorists.”
He said NZTA wanted to ensure its road crews were working in a safe environment, and “ensure the road is in a great condition for road users”.
NZTA’s transport operations centre will co-ordinate with emergency services on their requirements to get access to and from Wellington and Wairarapa.
Further information on the Remutaka Hill Road closures is available at www.nzta.govt.nz/remutaka
